The Year That Was: Stitch Thrives in 2025

Remember, friendships are formed, not found. 

You form friendships by doing something you enjoy with other people who share the same interest. If you do that again and again, you very quickly find you’ve built meaningful connections that transform your daily life.

It’s all thanks to you

I was feeling pretty burnt out by the end of last year, working every Saturday and Sunday from February through December just to keep the lights on. 

At times I wondered: was it worth it?

But over the New Year, I took a step back to look at what we achieved together (and when I say we, I mean you), and I realized 2025 was genuinely amazing. 

Obviously, there are challenging things happening in the greater world, and 2025 brought a lot of sadness to many people, for a variety of reasons.

But within our community, we can only control what we control. And if we’re all creating positive impacts and growing that impact, we can make a difference.

The magic doesn’t happen with software alone. The Stitch team can build the platform and fight the scammers and handle all that technical stuff, but the real magic happens with all the members who understand the Stitch vision, and show with their actions that we are right to believe in the power of kindness and community. 

That means you.

Nothing happens in this community without the involvement of every member. 

Every event you organize, every activity you attend, every new member you welcome — that’s what makes the Stitch community extraordinary.

Looking forward to this year

We’re not just emerging from the tunnel anymore. 

We’re out in the sunshine. 

And 2026 is shaping up to be even better.

We’re continuing to launch new communities through the Pioneer Program. We’re seeing smaller cities thrive alongside major metropolitan areas. We’re watching members form the kinds of deep, genuine friendships that make life worth living.

To new members: WELCOME! 

Come along to a few activities in your area. If there isn’t anything happening just yet, you’ll receive invites via email when members start organizing them. And if you’re feeling inspired, you can always be the one to get things started. If you’d like help kick off a new Stitch local area, click here.

To longtime members: THANK YOU. 

Your dedication to building this community, your willingness to organize events, and your openness to welcoming new members, enriches lives in ways you might not even realize. 

You are, quite literally, amazing.

So here’s to another fantastic year ahead. Let’s keep creating joy, forming friendships, and proving that life after 50 is full of possibility, connection, and adventure.